So a two part question here.
My 87 Spree runs great. Only issue ever is if its still cold giving it throttle doesn't always translate to more RPMs/power ,etc. It will lag a bit then slowly come up to power.
Usually i let it warm up good, but I've pulled away a few times and lagged.
Is this just a cold engine or could it mean a dirty carb, stuck cable, worn belt???
Along the lines of the belt, I got this thing with only 400 original miles and it now has just under 1000. I changed the plug and air filter immediately did the tires a few months ago.
Do you think I should check the belt? i'm just trying to keep this thing in primo shape.
It was taken care of (aka never ridden) before i bought it so i assume a lot of stuff is original. not sure if a belt can dry and crack. I would hate to blow the motor if the belt snapped.
anyway, wax poetic about inspecting/replacing a belt and if there are any tricks or fyi's beyond the service manual or if there is any other stuff i should check/replace to keep this baby running nice
thanks!
belt
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- BMX
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belt
1987 Honda Spree
- Wheelman-111
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Checking the Belt
Greetings:
Check the belt. You know you want to...
Everything about working on a scooter sucks until you can pull the side panels off in under 60 seconds. Blindfolded. Then it gets to be more fun.
Good job getting a new plug in there. Did you Oil the air filter as Honda-san prescribes? If not the filter may be admitting more air than the carb jetting can handle.
Get a 1/4 inch drive ratchet and some small sockets on the cheap. Pull those 8 bolts holding the belt cover and by all means have a look. You won't "snap" the belt and even if you do you won't blow the motor unless you fail to release the throttle. However you will be stuck pushing home. Yes, like the tires, the belt can deteriorate over time without mileage. 22 years is a long time.
If the engine is well and truly warm, sluggish throttle response can be a sign of a dirty carb. I'd start with the air filter and work back through the carb, and have a look at the reed valves. I suspect you'll quickly find and correct the problem.
Check the belt. You know you want to...
Everything about working on a scooter sucks until you can pull the side panels off in under 60 seconds. Blindfolded. Then it gets to be more fun.
Good job getting a new plug in there. Did you Oil the air filter as Honda-san prescribes? If not the filter may be admitting more air than the carb jetting can handle.
Get a 1/4 inch drive ratchet and some small sockets on the cheap. Pull those 8 bolts holding the belt cover and by all means have a look. You won't "snap" the belt and even if you do you won't blow the motor unless you fail to release the throttle. However you will be stuck pushing home. Yes, like the tires, the belt can deteriorate over time without mileage. 22 years is a long time.

If the engine is well and truly warm, sluggish throttle response can be a sign of a dirty carb. I'd start with the air filter and work back through the carb, and have a look at the reed valves. I suspect you'll quickly find and correct the problem.
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
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- BMX
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:13 pm
- Location: northern california
thanks
thanks for the help.
i can get the panels off pretty quick
except for i have 1 plastic screw that is stripped and that is always worth a few cuss words.
changing the tires has easily been the biggest pItA. buttt. getting the wheels off and on was no problem, it was getting the tires off and on the wheels lol
i did oil the filter and i'll probably check it again after i cross 1000mi.
yes, when it is fully warmed up, there is no problem with lag. so probably nothing to worry about.
i'll still pull the cover off and have a looksie
thanks again,
i can get the panels off pretty quick

changing the tires has easily been the biggest pItA. buttt. getting the wheels off and on was no problem, it was getting the tires off and on the wheels lol
i did oil the filter and i'll probably check it again after i cross 1000mi.
yes, when it is fully warmed up, there is no problem with lag. so probably nothing to worry about.
i'll still pull the cover off and have a looksie

thanks again,
1987 Honda Spree